If elder abuse is suspected, what are 3 actions the nurse will implement?
Every Nurse is required to be a Mandatory Reporter. The first sign of abuse or suspected abuse they should report it.
The nurse should then do a full assessment of the patient to determine if there is potentially abuse and the state of the patient physically and mentally. “Moreover, the American Medical Association55 recommends that questions on abuse be integrated into the full assessment of an older person” (dovepress, 2021).
Next the nurse should provide a safe, therapeutic space. Reassure the patient that they are safe now and continue to find support for the patient or support groups. With the potential abuse there could be some trust issues, and it is the nurses job to make the patient feel safe, and allow them to have a large part of their care especially in decision making.
